Last Updated: July 10, 2026 · Reading time: 7 min
Quick Answer: A waterproof LED power supply is a sealed AC-to-DC driver rated IP65–IP67 for outdoor and damp locations. Choose one by IP rating for the environment, PFC for efficiency, output voltage (12/24/36/48V), and wattage with 20–30% headroom. IP67 means dust-tight and protected against temporary water immersion.
What Is a Waterproof LED Power Supply?
A waterproof LED power supply is an LED driver built into a sealed, potted housing so it can run outdoors or in wet areas without failing. It converts AC mains into a constant-voltage DC output for LED strips, floodlights, and signage.
The difference from an indoor driver is protection: the electronics are fully encapsulated against dust and water, and quality units add PFC (power factor correction) for efficient, grid-friendly operation.
What Do IP65, IP66 and IP67 Ratings Mean?
The IP (Ingress Protection) code, defined by IEC 60529, describes protection against solids and water. For outdoor LED power, IP65 to IP67 is the usual range.
| Rating | Dust | Water protection | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP65 | Dust-tight | Low-pressure water jets | Sheltered outdoor, eaves |
| IP66 | Dust-tight | Powerful water jets | Exposed outdoor, washdown |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary immersion (to ~1 m) | Ground-level, flooding-prone, harsh outdoor |
For most outdoor signage and facade lighting, an IP67 unit such as the HLG-350 (350W, IP67, with PFC) covers demanding conditions with margin.
How Do You Choose a Waterproof LED Power Supply?
Five factors decide the right driver:
- IP rating. Match it to the environment — IP65 for sheltered, IP67 for exposed or ground-level installs.
- PFC. Power factor correction improves efficiency and is often required for larger installations.
- Output voltage. Match the LED load — common options are 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V.
- Wattage headroom. Add 20–30% above the total LED load so the driver runs cool and lasts longer.
- Thermal design and lifespan. Outdoor drivers run in heat and sun; a robust housing and derating headroom extend service life.
Why Does PFC Matter?
Power factor correction makes the driver draw current more efficiently from the grid, reducing wasted energy and load on the supply. For larger lighting projects, PFC is often a requirement rather than a nice-to-have.
A driver like the HLG series includes PFC, which helps outdoor and signage installations meet efficiency expectations.
How Much Wattage Do You Need?
Add the wattage of every LED fixture on the circuit, then size the driver above it. Running an LED driver at full load in outdoor heat shortens its life.
Example: for an LED signage run drawing about 270W, a 350W unit such as the HLG-350 leaves sensible headroom rather than running at the limit.
Where Are IP67 LED Power Supplies Used?
Sealed IP67 drivers suit any install exposed to weather: outdoor signage and billboards, building facade and landscape lighting, floodlights, and other damp or dusty locations.
Indoor LED video screens are a different category — they use low-voltage (typically 5V) display supplies, not 12–48V outdoor drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a waterproof LED power supply?
A sealed LED driver rated IP65–IP67 that converts AC mains into DC for LED lighting in outdoor or wet environments, with the electronics potted against dust and water.
What does IP67 mean for an LED power supply?
IP67 means the unit is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water (about 1 m for 30 minutes), suiting exposed and ground-level outdoor installs.
Is IP65 enough, or do I need IP67?
IP65 suits sheltered outdoor areas; choose IP67 for exposed, ground-level, or flooding-prone locations that face direct water.
Why does a waterproof LED driver need PFC?
PFC improves efficiency and reduces grid load, and it is often required for larger lighting installations.
How do I size a waterproof LED power supply?
Total the wattage of all LED fixtures, then add 20–30% headroom so the driver runs cool and lasts longer in outdoor heat.
Can I use an outdoor LED power supply for an LED video screen?
No. LED video screens use low-voltage (usually 5V) display supplies, while outdoor drivers output 12–48V for lighting and signage.
Key Takeaways
- A waterproof LED power supply is a sealed IP65–IP67 driver for outdoor and wet installs.
- IP67 means dust-tight plus protection against temporary water immersion (IEC 60529).
- Choose by IP rating, PFC, output voltage (12/24/36/48V), and wattage with 20–30% headroom.
- Outdoor heat shortens driver life — headroom and a robust housing matter.
- Outdoor lighting drivers (12–48V) are different from LED video-screen supplies (usually 5V).
Planning outdoor LED lighting or signage? See the WEHO HLG-350 IP67 LED power supply, or contact the WEHO team at [email protected] or via the contact page for OEM/ODM support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a waterproof LED power supply?
A sealed LED driver rated IP65–IP67 that converts AC mains into DC for LED lighting in outdoor or wet environments, with the electronics potted against dust and water.
What does IP67 mean for an LED power supply?
IP67 means the unit is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water (about 1 m for 30 minutes), suiting exposed and ground-level outdoor installs.
Is IP65 enough, or do I need IP67?
IP65 suits sheltered outdoor areas; choose IP67 for exposed, ground-level, or flooding-prone locations that face direct water.
Why does a waterproof LED driver need PFC?
PFC improves efficiency and reduces grid load, and it is often required for larger lighting installations.
How do I size a waterproof LED power supply?
Total the wattage of all LED fixtures, then add 20–30% headroom so the driver runs cool and lasts longer in outdoor heat.
Can I use an outdoor LED power supply for an LED video screen?
No. LED video screens use low-voltage (usually 5V) display supplies, while outdoor drivers output 12–48V for lighting and signage.
